Blog - VERY SHANNONhttp://veryshannon.com/blog/Thu, 24 Nov 2016 18:50:55 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-9609-9609 (http://www.squarespace.com)Knitting &amp; sewing patterns, tutorials &amp; books for the modern knitter &amp; <br/>sewer. Creativity, making, DIY and lifestyle blog.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/luvinthemommyhoodhttps://feedburner.google.comKNIT ALONG || GILMORE GIRLS KNIT ALONG 2016Knit AlongKnittingShannon CookThu, 24 Nov 2016 18:50:50 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/oziaKggpPlw/knit-along-gilmore-girls-knit-along-2016511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:5837368fd2b857b88eee093cThey're baaaack! I'm seriously beyond excited for the release of the
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life starting 11/25! I cannot wait!!! So we're
bringing back the GGKAL for 2016!
I know you all are too so we thought it would be fun to have a casual knit
along where we can all watch and chat all the things GG revival while
knitting!They're baaaack! I'm seriously beyond excited for the release of the Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life starting 11/25! I cannot wait!!! So we're bringing back the GGKAL for 2016!

I know you all are too so we thought it would be fun to have a casual knit along where we can all watch and chat all the things GG revival while knitting! You can read more and join in below at our Gilmore Girls Knit Along Ravelry Thread.

Just join in and knit! Feel free to knit GG inspired patterns, or a pattern you're smitten with. We just want you knitting and watching Gilmore Girls!

If you're so inclined you can pick up my Lorelai Shawl pattern for 25% off right now on Ravelry with code "giftalong2016" till 11/26. Yay! Click HERE to buy now.

During the Gilmore Girls Knit Along 2016 feel free to share your WIP's, FO's and thoughts about Gilmore Girls. I can't wait to hear what you all think is going to happen and what projects you'll be working on!

Use hashtag #GGKAL16 on social media and Ravelry to share your projects.

What do you think's going to happen at the start of the new revival? Which project will you be working on? Fill me in :)

Happy knitting and Gilmore Girl watching!!!

]]>KNIT ALONG || GILMORE GIRLS KNIT ALONG 2016http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/knit-along-gilmore-girls-knit-along-2016SALE || INDIE DESIGN GIFT-ALONG 2016 - SAVE 25% OFF ON 20 PATTERNS!SaleKnittingShannon CookWed, 23 Nov 2016 18:24:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/lIiWdI7wH8Q/sale-indie-design-gift-along-2016-save-25-off-on-20-patterns511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:5835d3979f74564580658b88It's time for the Indie Design Gift-along 2016! Yay! This is such a fun
event and one I'm super happy to be a part of every year! It's such a
wonderful way to join in with a friendly group of knitters to get your
gifts made, have a great time and support independent designers at the same
time.
Save 25% OFF on 20 patterns with code "giftalong2016" from 11/22-11/26!It's time for the Indie Design Gift-along 2016! Yay! This is such a fun event and one I'm super happy to be a part of every year! It's such a wonderful way to join in with a friendly group of knitters to get your gifts made, have a great time and support independent designers at the same time.

Save 25% OFF on 20 patterns with code "giftalong2016" from 11/22-11/26!

INDIE DESIGN GIFT-ALONG 2016

WHAT IS IT? The Indie Design GAL is a special knit along that goes on from now until 12/31 where people join in to knit their holiday gifts together. To kick it off, help spread the word and support independent designers, we all offer a fabulous sale from 11/22 - 11/26 of 25% off a bundle of our patterns!

JOIN IN! You are invited to join us in the Indie Design Gift-Along Ravelry Group to participate. There will be hundreds of prizes, beautiful projects, access to your fave Indie Designers, and heaps of friendly, giftie chatter! Use hashtag #giftalong2016 on social media and Ravelry to share your projects and join in the fun!

MY GIFT. My gift to you is a 25% discount when you use the coupon code "giftalong2016" from 8pm Nov 22 - 11:59 Nov 30 EST for any of the patterns in myIndie Design GAL 2016 Bundle!

Thank you for all of your continued support and happy gift knitting! xoxox

]]>SALE || INDIE DESIGN GIFT-ALONG 2016 - SAVE 25% OFF ON 20 PATTERNS!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/sale-indie-design-gift-along-2016-save-25-off-on-20-patternsNEW PATTERN - FEYRE SHAWL!KnittingPatternShannon CookMon, 21 Nov 2016 18:36:23 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/lKhmg5vOsTg/new-pattern-feyre-shawl511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:582d3e8f3e00be143f62290eI'm so happy & excited to release the FEYRE shawl knitting pattern today!
FEYRE was inspired by the main character Feyre, from the Court of Thorn and
Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas, and is a crescent shaped shawl that embodies
both the strength & softness, and the lightness & darkness that are always
at play within Feyre. Relaxing to knit combinations of Stockinette stitch,
Garter stitch and Slip Stitch Ribs combine to make a shawl filled with
texture that's fabulous for showing off your new favorite marl, tonal or
hand dyed yarn!I'm so happy & excited to release the FEYRE shawl knitting pattern today!FEYRE was inspired by the main character Feyre, from the Court of Thorn and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas, and is a crescent shaped shawl that embodies both the strength & softness, and the lightness & darkness that are always at play within Feyre. Relaxing to knit combinations of Stockinette stitch, Garter stitch and Slip Stitch Ribs combine to make a shawl filled with texture that's fabulous for showing off your new favorite marl, tonal or hand dyed yarn!

FEYRE was designed to allow the knitter to sub in different yarns in each section (or sub-section) and to truly customize their shawl! To help envision "your" Feyre we've included FREE bonus coloring pages with every PDF pattern!

FEYRE SHAWL PATTERN

Use coupon code "FEYRE" to SAVE 25% OFF through till 11/26!

YARN + COLOR CHOICES

I've got a soft spot for marl yarns. I love them. So when Brooklyn Tweed released their new marl colorways in Shelter a few months ago I fell head over heels in love. I knew a marled shawl needed to be made asap and FEYREwas born! I wanted a shawl that was worsted weight, pretty quick to knit with great drape, a generous size, and with multiple styling options.

I also wanted to play with texture, cause you know guys know how much I loooove texture...lol. The slipped stitch ribs in this pattern are fun to knit but also pop amongst the marl. The knit-on edging changes the stitch direction of the rib and I love how that plays against the movement of the rest of the shawl. All the sections with the marl are combos of stockinette and garter so you can go wild subbing in tonals, striping, solids - you name it! It was so fun to see all the fun combinations the testers came up with for Feyre!

I really love wearing Feyre in all the ways shown on the model. But my favorite way is with my new hand carved arrow shawl pin from E. C. Crafts! Isn't it lovely? So stunning! I think it goes perfectly with the inspiration behind Feyre and also the colorways. I'm definitely smitten with it!

You can purchase a copy of FEYRE on Ravelry, in our shopand onEtsy. The pattern is a downloadble PDF that is fully written and includes a schematic, pattern stitch counts and bonus coloring pages. It has been professionally tech edited and also thoroughly tested.

Feyre Shawl Pattern

Are you a shop who would love to carry beautiful pattern booklets of FEYRE?

STAY TUNED

I'll be sharing some more info about FEYRE during the next few weeks about yarn choices for Feyre, our fab tester versions, and a sample that the Plucky Knitter made up (p.s. you can see a sneak peek on the Feyre Ravelry page - it's stunning!!!!

You can also view more pics of Feyre on Ravelry as well :)

A big thank you to all of you for your continued support of my patterns! I adore you guys! I hope you enjoy knitting FEYRE as much as I did! I can't wait to see them all! xoxoxo

]]>NEW PATTERN - FEYRE SHAWL!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/new-pattern-feyre-shawlEVENT || VANCOUVER TRUNK SHOWS & SIGNINGSEventsKnittingShannon CookThu, 17 Nov 2016 20:50:20 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/oiKo8ZWBWc4/event-vancouver-trunk-shows-signings511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:582cc775f5e231bc1821f69dWe're hitting the road with Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul!
Jane and I are so excited! We will be be heading to Vancouver, BC at the
end of the month to visit some of our favourite yarn shops with the Within
Trunk Show! We love getting to visit all of you and we hope you can join
us for some fun!We're hitting the road with Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul! Jane and I are so excited! We will be be heading to Vancouver, BC at the end of the month to visit some of our favourite yarn shops with the Within Trunk Show! We love getting to visit all of you and we hope you can join us for some fun!

We can't wait to visit with you all! Thank you all so much for all your support of Within!

]]>EVENT || VANCOUVER TRUNK SHOWS & SIGNINGShttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/event-vancouver-trunk-shows-signingsGIVEAWAY || GROWN BY KATE OATES OF TOT TOPPERSKnittingGiveawayReadingShannon CookThu, 10 Nov 2016 19:46:08 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/NIcAxK8KkH0/giveaway-grown-by-kate-oates-of-tot-toppers511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:5824ce866b8f5ba506537e01I'm thrilled to be a part of Kate Oate's (of Tot Toppers) blog tour for her
gorgeous new book "Grown: Sophisticated Sweater Designs from the Maker of
Tot Toppers". This lovely collection of 10 raglan-style sweater patterns
are all inspired by original Tot Toppers patterns and are transitioned
thoughtfully and intentionally for grown-ups. What a fun idea! The majority
of the patterns in Grown are unisex (yay!) and there are also patterns just
for men or women. I really loved this feature and found that the entire
book was well thought out in regards to these elements for shaping, sizing
etc. I'm thrilled to be a part of Kate Oate's (of Tot Toppers) blog tour for her gorgeous new book "Grown: Sophisticated Sweater Designs from the Maker of Tot Toppers". This lovely collection of 10 raglan-style sweater patterns are all inspired by original Tot Toppers patterns and are transitioned thoughtfully and intentionally for grown-ups. What a fun idea! The majority of the patterns in Grown are unisex (yay!) and there are also patterns just for men or women. I really loved this feature and found that the entire book was well thought out in regards to these elements for shaping, sizing etc.

"These Grown versions were cultivated to flatter adult women and men with some optional features for customization. Combine this book with your favorite Tot Toppers pattern to create sweaters for the entire family. Enjoy stunning photography and clearly written patterns while knitting favorite pieces for yourself and your loved ones."

Grownis beautifully photographed, easy to read and the patterns are clearly written out with thorough instructions. The book also includes a techniques, glossary and abbreviations section as well as a resource page and some information on gauge and sizing. One of my favorite parts of the book though is seeing the original pattern. For each of the 10 patterns in the book Kate shows the original pattern it was inspired by and some info on it. As a designer I really loved seeing this! Such a great feature!

YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF:

MY FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THE BOOK ARE:

I really like that this book stayed true to Kate's style and that there are a unisex options and information about the original designs so one style could be made for the whole family. I also liked that the patterns are all stylish and easy additions to a knitter's wardrobe.

ENTER TO WIN THE GROWN BOOK PRIZE PACKAGE

Are you ready to win a copy of Grown along with a fun prize package? Find out how to enter below!

You can read more about GROWNHERE on Tot Toppers and follow along with the rest of the tour HERE.

]]>GIVEAWAY || GROWN BY KATE OATES OF TOT TOPPERShttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/giveaway-grown-by-kate-oates-of-tot-toppersSEWING || SEE KATE SEW DOLL FABRICSewingShannon CookTue, 01 Nov 2016 18:12:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/51apeq_nuoY/sewing-see-kate-sew-doll-fabric511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:5818c625414fb5c2f56fa98aMy girls love dolls and so do I, so I was beyond excited when my lovely
friend Kate of See Kate Sew announced her new doll fabric was being
released (by Riley Blake) and asked me to join in for the tour. The kids
squealed and so did I! Both my girls and I were super happy when the fabric
arrived to our house! I really love dolls made like this and couldn't wait
to make them with the kids. My girls love dolls and so do I, so I was beyond excited when my lovely friend Kate of See Kate Sew announced her new doll fabric was being released (by Riley Blake) and asked me to join in for the tour. The kids squealed and so did I! Both my girls and I were super happy when the fabric arrived to our house! I really love dolls made like this and couldn't wait to make them with the kids.

They helped by picking out the doll fabrics they wanted (the dolls and the accent print), choosing the skirt fabric and stuffing/making the dolls with me. We chose Rosie and Rowan and the print Doll Sprinkles Pink. I'm always on the look out for handmade projects that I can enjoy and that my girls can be involved with the "making" aspect as well. Truly makes for some wonderful memories! I mean just look at that smile!

Seeing them play with the dolls and cuddle them after finishing the last final touches was such a special moment. I hope they will be loved for many years to come! They've already been cuddled and played with lots. And you definitely can't beat the aspect of just cutting them out, sewing and stuffing. My kind of project these days...lol.

There are three doll sets to choose from: Goldie & Grey (left), Rosie & Rowan (middle) and Olive & Oliver (right). Each set of doll fabric comes complete with instructions, the parts to sew both the girl and boy doll and a skirt, hair bows and ice cream cone! So fun!!!!

You view a tutorial on how to sew the dolls HERE on See Kate Sew and see more pics and find out where to buy HERE on her blog as well.

Thanks for having me on the tour Kate! Congrats on the new fabrics! We love them!!! <3

What are you all sewing these days? Do you enjoy making toys/dolls?

]]>SEWING || SEE KATE SEW DOLL FABRIChttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/11/sewing-see-kate-sew-doll-fabricWITHIN KNIT ALONG!Knit AlongKnittingShannon CookTue, 25 Oct 2016 20:23:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/OdRKTnOCJNE/within-knit-along511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:580ee6699f74561bfcc4f421Jane and I are so excited to see what projects you'll be casting on from
our newest book - Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul that we
thought it would be fun to run a knit along! It will be a casual, ongoing
knit along where you can simply tag your projects with #withinknits on
social media and join in on Ravelry! Jane and I are so excited to see what projects you'll be casting on from our newest book - Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul that we thought it would be fun to run a knit along! It will be a casual, ongoing knit along where you can simply tag your projects with #withinknits on social media and Ravelry!

There's no end date, we're keeping it casual - we just want you guys to have fun and enjoy making the knits from the book! We love to see what you are all making!

Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope you're enjoying knitting from Within!

So....what are you working on? What did you cast on first?

]]>WITHIN KNIT ALONG!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/within-knit-alongWITHIN || EBOOK & INDIVIDUAL PATTERNS AVAILABLE NOW!BooksKnittingShannon CookThu, 20 Oct 2016 19:05:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/RwAPozFIiOI/within-ebook-individual-patterns511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:58083503b8a79b2b732030daTHANK YOU sooooo much for all the lovely and supportive response to our new
book Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul! I'm giving you all huge
virtual hugs...lol! Seriously, I cannot say thank you enough for all the
kind and sweet words. It truly means so much how you've all embraced the
book and supported us - so thank you! It fills my heart and I feel so
blessed to be part of such a wonderful, supportive and loving community. THANK YOU sooooo much for all the lovely and supportive response to our new book Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul! I'm giving you all huge virtual hugs...lol! Seriously, I cannot say thank you enough for all the kind and sweet words. It truly means so much how you've all embraced the book and supported us - so thank you! It fills my heart and I feel so blessed to be part of such a wonderful, supportive and loving community.

TIMBER Cardigan by Shannon Cook from the book Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul

EBOOK & INDIVIDUAL PATTERNS FROM WITHIN

If you've been waiting for the eBook of Within to be released individually - today is the day. You can now purchase the following options:

Hard Copy of Within (which includes the eBook, and the PDF's of each pattern)

eBook with PDF's of each pattern

Individual patterns from the book

You can purchase the above options HERE on Ravelry, as well as each individual pattern and the hard copy of the book.

Hard copies are also for sale at your local yarn shops, book stores and online.

SHORELINE COWL #shorelinecowl

DID YOU ENJOY WITHIN? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR REVIEW!

We would LOVE for you to leave a review of Within! Visit Amazon and/or GoodReads and let us know what you enjoyed about Within! We so appreciate your time and help!

WANT TO SEE MORE OF WITHIN?

Don't forget to pop by the Within book page to check out our lookbook and our Book Trailer.

I sincerely hope you enjoy Within, and the patterns in it, and find yourself curled up this fall/winter all cozy and warm, knitting some brand new handmade lovelies. Enjoy and happy knitting from my home to yours xoxoxox <3

Have you started on a pattern from Within? Which ones are you knitting? Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat! Leave a comment below :)

P.S. Don't forget this Saturday, from 1 - 3pm we will be at the Beehive Wool Shop, in Victoria, BC for our Canadian Book Launch! Pop by to buy a copy, get your book signed, try on samples and more! We hope to see you there!

]]>WITHIN || EBOOK & INDIVIDUAL PATTERNS AVAILABLE NOW!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/within-ebook-individual-patternsKNIT ALONG || STARRING YOU & GIVEAWAY WINNERS!Knit AlongKnittingShannon CookWed, 19 Oct 2016 13:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/Oo77Yw_8tt8/knit-along-starring-you-sskal16511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:58052597c534a5c3624c1d2cAre you all ready for our SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG STARRING YOU post?
Wahoo! So sorry for the delay on this. As mentioned in my ravelry group my
computer - aka the d*m# Sierra update - is wreaking havoc with my computer.
I've had nothing but issues and it's caused a delay in all things computer
related. But the post is up now and this is my fave part of the KAL!
Getting to see all your awesome projects! It's inspiring and just makes me
so darn happy! As usual you guys have made some amazing and stunning
projects! Are you all ready for our SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG STARRING YOU post? Wahoo! So sorry for the delay on this. As mentioned in my ravelry group my computer - aka the d*m# Sierra update - is wreaking havoc with my computer. I've had nothing but issues and it's caused a delay in all things computer related. But the post is up now and this is my fave part of the KAL! Getting to see all your awesome projects! It's inspiring and just makes me so darn happy! As usual you guys have made some amazing and stunning projects!

This year's SSKAL was filled with lots of variations of styles! I love when there is a good mix of everything and also varieties of colors being used! Some years one color will dominate but this year there was a solid mix of everything! I also noticed a fair amount of kids patterns this year! I love the cute pics you guys got of your wee knits!

Scroll below to see some of the finished projects from our Summer Sweater Knit Along - starring you!!! I hope you enjoy it!

I adore our knit along community and it fills my heart to see such a loving and fun group of knitters embrace each other, cheer each other on, learn/teach one another and overall just have a fun time!

I want to say a HUGE thank you to our moderators who help keep the KAL's running smoothly for me. They play such a big role in keeping our KAL's a success! So thank you to KCmomof2, Mamatronic, Trishknits, Fionafae, Ummashin, Mootastic1, & Sdurank. And of course thank you to all of YOU! Without you all we wouldn't have our knit alongs so thank you for continuing to knit along with me each and every year!

YOU GUYS DID SUCH A FABULOUS JOB!!!

And these are just some of the many amazing projects that were completed in this year's SSKAL! You can see even more images in our hashtag #sskal and #sskal16 feed on Instagram and in our FO Thread for the SSKAL in our Ravelry Group! You can find all the SSKALL posts, instagram feed, helpful information and more on our Summer Sweater Knit Along Homepage!

Now, I know you're all dying to know about the winner's from the huge giveaway! Read below for the winner's of our sweet prize packages!!! A giant HUGE thank you again to all of our amazing and generous sponsors who spoil you guys! Make sure to show them some love! <3

Congratulations ladies!!!!! Such great prizes!!!! I'll be in touch over the next few days to arrange your prize packages!!!

Don't be sad the SSKAL16 is over! Stick around our Ravelry Group and join in some of the other threads we chat in and watch for something knit along related coming soon. Hint - it may have to do with tv ;) ;)

What knit along's would you like to see in the next few months? We'd love to hear what fun themes you'd like to see! Let us know in the comments below!

This post is proudly sponsored by Brooklyn Tweed.

]]>KNIT ALONG || STARRING YOU & GIVEAWAY WINNERS!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/knit-along-starring-you-sskal16EVENT || WITHIN CANADIAN BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!EventsKnittingShannon CookThu, 13 Oct 2016 16:45:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/o5zXYYf2xv8/event-within-canadian-book-launch-party511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57fe9cce03596e2d867c0b8aWe're so excited to be kicking off the Canadian launch of our newest book
Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul at our local yarn shop - The
Beehive Wool Shop in Victoria, BC, Canada. Join us on October 22nd, from
1-3pm to try on samples from the book, meet myself and Jane, get your books
signed, shop & more!We're so excited to be kicking off the Canadian launch of our newest book Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul at our local yarn shop - The Beehive Wool Shopin Victoria, BC, Canada. Join us on October 22nd, from 1-3pm to try on samples from the book, meet myself and Jane, get your books signed, shop & more!

The Beehive is a gorgeous and iconic knitting shop and one not to be missed if you've never been before! This timeless staple on the yarn shop scene is one of Canada's loveliest stores! Filled to the brim with tastefully curated yarns the Beehive is a must see on Vancouver Island. They are also the ONLY Canadian stockist of the coveted Brooklyn Tweed yarns!

Jane and I are beyond thrilled to be able to launch Within at the Beehiveand we hope you will we hope you'll join us to celebrate the kick off of Within!!! We look forward to seeing you all at the Beehive!!

Official Canadian Launch of Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul

You can find more information about WithinHERE and also view the book/patterns and purchase on Ravelry HERE. Thanks or all your support of Within!

Happy knitting! Do you plan on coming?

]]>EVENT || WITHIN CANADIAN BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/event-within-canadian-book-launch-partyKNIT ALONG || SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG GIVEAWAY!!!KnittingKnit AlongShannon CookThu, 06 Oct 2016 17:27:48 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/Qf8PI63MIQ0/knit-along-summer-sweater-knit-along-giveaway511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57f6899b59cc68cbbd40c24fIt's finally time for our Summer Sweater Knit Along Giveaway!!!! I'm so
happy to finally show you all the gorgeous prizes our supportive sponsors
have for you all! Yay!! I'm freaking out!!! I can't wait to see who our
winners will be! They play such a big role in keeping our KAL's going
please take the time to visit their shops and show them some love!
And thank you for all knitting along with me! Next week is our Starring You
post and seriously - so many amazing projects you guys made this year! I'm
blown away! It's finally time for our Summer Sweater Knit Along Giveaway!!!! I'm so happy to finally show you all the gorgeous prizes our supportive sponsors have for you all! Yay!! I'm freaking out!!! I can't wait to see who our winners will be! They play such a big role in keeping our KAL's going please take the time to visit their shops and show them some love!

And thank you for all knitting along with me! Next week is our Starring You post and seriously - so many amazing projects you guys made this year! I'm blown away!

You guys ready to see what you could win? I'll be announcing the winners next week on the blog. The prizes all seen below will be split into 3 prize packages up for grabs!! You can find all the details about how to be eligible below.

That's it! Easy peasy right! I'll be announcing the winners in next week's post which will also be our annual STARRING YOU roundup where I get to have fun showing off your lovely finished projects! So make sure to get your pictures in our Ravelry group and tag your shots with #SSKAL and #SSKAL16 on social media!

GOOD LUCK AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Thank you to all of our wonderful and generous sponsors! They are invaluable when it comes to keeping our knit alongs running so please pop by all of their shops and show them some love!!!

]]>KNIT ALONG || SUMMER SWEATER KNIT ALONG GIVEAWAY!!!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/knit-along-summer-sweater-knit-along-giveawayNEW BOOK || WITHIN: KNITTING PATTERNS TO WARM THE SOULBooksKnittingShannon CookTue, 04 Oct 2016 17:17:22 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/1-HWZtZARKg/announcement-within-knitting-patterns-to-warm-the-soul511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57f3e4289f745678e9282c4eIt's here - today is the day! Yay! Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the
Soul is now available! I'm so beyond excited and literally cannot wait for
you all to see the new book! This book holds such a special place in my
heart and I really hope you will all enjoy our newest collection as much as
we do. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing more about Within and the
patterns that are in it and the stories/inspirations behind them. I cannot
wait to see what lovelies you cast on and to hear your thoughts about
Within. It's here - today is the day! Yay!Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul is now available! I'm beyond excited and literally cannot wait for you all to see the new book! This book holds such a special place in my heart and I really hope you will all enjoy our newest collection as much as we do. Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing more about Within and the patterns that are in it and the stories/inspirations behind them. I cannot wait to see what lovelies you cast on and to hear your thoughts about Within.

The soul let's you know when it's time to seek out comfort: hot chocolate, a good book, warm companionship, and - for knitters - layers of cozy wool.

Within(Marian Rae Publications; $21.95, October 2016)is the newest collaboration by designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook, featuring six signature patterns for wherever your heart takes you. Inside, you’ll find patterns for accessories, a shawl, and what may become your new favourite everyday garments. Together, the pieces in this accessible collection make a functional and beautiful addition to any knitter’s wardrobe

More than a pattern book, Within has lush, full colour photos that take the knitter on a visual journey along with Gryffin and her beau, through a world of modern rustic coziness designed to stimulate the senses and kindle inspiration. This hand-picked collection allows the knitter to feel it’s possible to make each and every item in the book.

All print books of Within include a special coupon code on the inside back cover to access your fully interactive e-Book, as well as individual PDF copies of all patterns in the book. You can redeem your code at http://ravel.me/mrp.

For a limited time orders of Within will also include two special FREE bonus patterns - Shoreline Cowl by Shannon Cook and Lodge Toque by Jane Richmond, that were specially designed to use leftover yarns from the the projects in Within.

Here's some more about the patterns I designed in the book...

This shawl is a relaxing project that features addictive stripes paired with textured openwork, with a pretty edging that adds a bit of knitterly interest. Hudson is a quick knit that’s so much fun to make, you won’t want to put it down. The finished product is a generously sized accessory that can be styled many ways. It’s a shawl that just begs to be wrapped up in – no matter the season.

This just might be your new favourite everyday cardigan – it’s warm, cozy and versatile. Knitted from the top down, with an easy raglan shaping, Timber is a relaxing knit featuring simple but effective design details. This casual cardigan – designed to be worn open – features twisted ribbing, slimming lines and handy pockets, for a sweater that’s as functional as it is beautiful, whether you’re at the coffee shop or in the woodshed.

Twisted Rib and Garter stitches combine in this cozy, textured topper. In super soft merino with a luxe faux fur pom pom, this hat will take you from a morning at the farmers’ market to an evening by the campfire without a backward glance. With three sizes and a wide range of yarns to choose from (it looks just as good in regular worsted as it does in chainette), you just might find yourself making multiples.

SPECIAL FREE BONUS PATTERNS!

And as a special bonus, for the next 2 weeks when you purchase Within, you will also receive 2 FREE BONUS PATTERNS! Shoreline Cowl by Shannon Cook and Lodge Toque by Jane Richmond come FREE with your book purchase! These 2 bonus patterns use the leftovers from your Hudson Shawl and Fireside Pullover in the book - cause who needs leftovers? Not me! Knit those bad boys up into something lovely!

Take a sneak peek behind into Within with Gryffin and her beau, set amongst the rustic, cozy landscape of gorgeous Metchosin, BC on Vancouver Island.

We'd love to see your projects!

Use hashtag #WITHINKNITS on social media to share your projects!

Thank you in advance for all of your love and support of Within. So many of you have reached out with kind words and so much enthusiasm and it truly means so much to us. Without all of you we wouldn't be able to keep making these books so please know that your support is valued and appreciated.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Gryffin's getaway and the knits she wears while amongst the gorgeous scenery of Metchosin, BC. It's not that far a drive from where I live and I visit the beach near this farm frequently and can always be found knitting and daydreaming while I'm there :) So grab a cup of coffee and pull up a cozy seat - I'm dying to hear what you think about Within!

]]>NEW BOOK || WITHIN: KNITTING PATTERNS TO WARM THE SOULhttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/10/announcement-within-knitting-patterns-to-warm-the-soulNEW PATTERNS || COMPASS SHAWL & RIVERS WRAPPatternKnittingShannon CookFri, 30 Sep 2016 15:30:22 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/9MUfQ2DIb4Y/new-patterns-compass-shawl-rivers-wrap511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57dac629be65946d70474096Earlier this year I had the pleasure of being part of a brand new
collection releasing today for Hinterland called Hinterland Straits! I used
Hinterland Range, a lofty worsted weight, for both of my patterns -
Compass Shawl and Rivers Wrap. I found Range so inspiring to work with and
really enjoyed designing and knitting both of these cozy and versatile
accessories. I hope you enjoy each of these pieces as much as I do.Earlier this year I had the pleasure of being part of a brand new collection releasing today for Hinterland called Hinterland Straits! I used Hinterland Range, a lofty worsted weight, for both of my patterns - Compass Shawl and Rivers Wrap. I found Range so inspiring to work with and really enjoyed designing and knitting both of these cozy and versatile accessories. I hope you enjoy each of these pieces as much as I do.

Both of these new patterns are available today on Ravelry (Compass ShawlHERE and Rivers WrapHERE) and you can also find them in lovely print form at Knit City alongside the samples at the Hinterland booth. Yep - you got it - you can try them on :) Just be warned - once you try one on you won't want to take it off! I literally knit them while wearing them. That's how soft and warm Range is. It feels wonderful against your body.

You can find other patterns in the collection as well from designers Andrea Rangel, Lindsay Inouye and Jane Richmond. There's garments, accessories and slippers :) You can view the look book for the Hinterland Straits collection HERE.

Diagonal rib stitching contrasted with ribboned stockinette creates a dynamic texture throughout the Compass Shawl. Knit in Hinterland Range, the fabric shows off a subtle contrast in two tones, creating lines and patterns that resemble crests of waves. This shawl is an engaging knit, resulting in a light but cozy layer.

And next is the Rivers Wrap....

The Rivers Wrap beautifully showcases the colours of Hinterland Range, creating contrasting bias stripes in five tones that echo tidelines and swirls of coastal waterways. The garter stitch fabric utilizes artful colour shifts throughout its length, creating dynamic and gorgeous contrast whether it lies flat or whirled around you like a warm, gentle hug.

Thank you to Hanahlie for creating such lovely yarns to work with and for inviting me to be a part of such a lovely collection. You can view all of the pieces in the Hinterland Straits collection HERE on her website tomorrow and also in person at Knit City.

A huge thank you to my tech editor Anne Marie who always works so tirelessly to make these patterns as good as they can be and to all my testers who, as always, play such an important and fun role in making my sketches become reality. I'll be sharing more of their projects and mine later on the blog so stay tuned!

And thanks to all of you for your continued support - I hope you curl up with these lovelies this fall & winter and they bring you so much happiness and relaxation.

]]>NEW PATTERNS || COMPASS SHAWL & RIVERS WRAPhttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/9/new-patterns-compass-shawl-rivers-wrapEVENT || KNIT CITY 2016!EventsKnittingShannon CookWed, 28 Sep 2016 16:42:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/JM7iyXz4pV0/event-knit-city-2016511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57ebd6add482e9f4d47c6921IT'S KNIT CITY TIME!
Can you believe this weekend will be the 5th anniversary of Knit City?! So
much awesomeness packed into those 5 fabulous years!
Join us at Knit City at the PNE in Vancouver, BC on Oct. 2 & 3rd for lots
of fun! We are Booth #207(I'll be there with Jane Richmond again this year
).
We'll both have our pretty pattern lines for sale, as well as all of our
books will be there too (Within too)! We will also have lots & lots of
yummy samples for you to try on too!

]]>EVENT || KNIT CITY 2016!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/9/event-knit-city-2016COMING SOON || WITHIN: KNITTING PATTERNS TO WARM THE SOUL!BooksKnittingShannon CookThu, 22 Sep 2016 17:23:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/wRBj-VCxit0/coming-soon-within-knitting-patterns-to-warm-the-soul511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57df20c0414fb54619612ac4Oh my gosh you guys!!!! I've been waiting for this day so long! I'm so
beyond excited to give you a sneak peek of our newest book "WITHIN:
Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul", by myself and Jane Richmond - coming
October 5th!!!! EEEEEEEK!!!! I hope you all will love it as much as we do.
We poured our hearts and souls into this one and are so happy with how this
lovely new collection turned out!Oh my gosh you guys!!!! I've been waiting for this day so long! I'm so beyond excited to give you a sneak peek of our newest book "WITHIN: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soul", by myself and Jane Richmond - coming October 5th!!!! EEEEEEEK!!!! I hope you all will love it as much as we do. I poured my heart and soul into this one and we're so happy with how this lovely collection turned out!

HERE'S SOME INFO ABOUT WITHIN....

"Within is the newest collection by designers Jane Richmond and Shannon Cook, featuring six signature patterns for wherever your heart takes you. Inside, you’ll find accessories, a shawl, and what may become your new favorite everyday garments. Together, the pieces in this accessible collection make a functional and beautiful addition to any knitter’s wardrobe.

More than just a pattern book, Within takes the knitter on a visual journey through a world of rustic coziness photographed on Vancouver Island, designed to stimulate the senses and kindle inspiration."

WITHIN DETAILS

Within: Knitting Patterns to Warm the Soulwill be available for purchase on October 5th! We cannot wait!!! You'll be able to purchase a copy at your favourite LYS, bookstores and online on Oct 5th! Within retails for $21.95.

We've got lots of fun stuff coming your way that we can't wait to share!!!!! We'll be sharing lots about each pattern in the collection, more info about the book, as well as there will be some exciting bonuses, giveaways, a knit along, blog tour and more! So get those needles and yarn ready!

Wholesale Inquiry? If you're a shop looking to carry Within you can pre-order direct from NNK Press.

A big thank you to all of you in advance for all of your love and continued support of our books! We couldn't do it without you! <3

]]>COMING SOON || WITHIN: KNITTING PATTERNS TO WARM THE SOUL!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/9/coming-soon-within-knitting-patterns-to-warm-the-soulSEWING || OBSERVER FABRIC TOUR - PETAL POUCHESSewingShannon CookWed, 14 Sep 2016 14:00:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/nXiflS1jNsc/sewing-observer-fabric-tour-petal-pouches511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57d6e5266b8f5b6cdf6be12fI love zippered pouches. I simply can't seem to have enough of them. So
when I got asked to join in the Observer Fabric Tour by my lovely and oh,
so talented friend April Rhodes, I knew I had to sew up Anna Graham's (of
Noodlehead) new pattern for her Petal Pouches. First off, I'm absolutely
100% obsessed with April's new fabric line Observer. I always love her
lines but oh boy does this one hit home for me. It's absolutely stunning! I
sincerely love each print. And the fact that's it's Art Gallery Fabrics is
icing on the cake. You all know how much I love me some AGF! I love zippered pouches. I simply can't seem to have enough of them. So when I got asked to join in the Observer Fabric Tour by my lovely and oh, so talented friend April Rhodes, I knew I had to sew up Anna Graham's (of Noodlehead) new pattern for her Petal Pouches. First off, I'm absolutely 100% obsessed with April's new fabric line Observer. I always love her lines but oh boy does this one hit home for me. It's absolutely stunning! I sincerely love each print. And the fact that's it's Art Gallery Fabrics is icing on the cake. You all know how much I love me some AGF!

I've got a few other prints from Observer set aside for a new bag pattern I'm working on (yay!!! think yarn storage and more) that I hope to get out this year. I'm dying over the prints Indigo Window Crystal and Homespun Praxis and just had to save them for the new bag. The Observer line is so versatile! Be it clothing, accessories, quilting or home decor - Observer has you covered! I almost hung one of them up on my wall I loved it so much! April is just sooooo good!

Anna's Petal Pouches pattern was originally was published in the amazing first issue of Making. You can now purchase the pattern in Anna's shop HERE if you're so inclined to sew up one of these fun pouches. Her patterns are always easy to follow with gorgeous results. I couldn't resist making both sizes.

I decided to use Aprils print Triangle Tokens Ink for the large size. It's hard to see on my pouch but some of the triangles are this fun metallic. I adore little pops like that! I plan on using this one for knitting notions and more. For the lining print I used Speck Bronze. I then finished it off with some cute leather cording I picked up from Dry Goods Design in Seattle last year (seriously adore that shop - if you're ever in Seattle it's a must visit).

For the smaller size I used Mesh With Me Worn for the outer fabric and again used Speck Bronze for the lining - cause I like it so much. I desperately needed something to keep my earphones and gym pass in so I don't lose them over and over in my bag. I'm a sucker for keeping things organized in cute handmade pouches. So much nicer :) It fits perfectly in the palm of my hand - so darn cute!

Ok seriously! I mean look at these babies from Observer below! Swoon!!!!! And this is only a few from the Observer line! I always love her lines so much I sometimes think she's in my brain poking around....lol. Another fabulous line April! Congrats hun! You are so inspiring! I can't wait to sew more with these bad boys!

OBSERVER FABRIC TOUR

You can follow along with the Observer Fabric Tour on social media with hashtag #OBSERVERfabrictour. There's a fabulous line up of fun projects being sewn up! Next up is the lovely Kate of See Kate Sew - seekatesew.com, IG - @seekatesew!

You can read more about the whole tour over on April's blog HEREand about her new line Observer HERE.

You can view the entire line from Observer on Art Gallery Fabrics HERE.

Thanks again for having me along on the tour April! Luv ya hun! xoxox

Have you guys sewn with Observer yet? Do you love it too? Have you made a Petal Pouch? Coffee's on - come chat :)

]]>SEWING || OBSERVER FABRIC TOUR - PETAL POUCHEShttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/9/sewing-observer-fabric-tour-petal-pouchesKNIT ALONG || SSKAL16 EXTENSION POLLKnittingKnit AlongShannon CookThu, 08 Sep 2016 18:03:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/QaeNOh_-a5Q/knit-along-vote-for-extension511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57d19872e3df28afe286a2a2Our Summer Sweater Knit Along will soon be coming to a close.......but it
doesn't have to :) It's time for our Extension Poll!! Choose below if
you're ready to show off your handmades, extend by a week, or go for
another 2 weeks! It's up to you! I'll announce the results tomorrow in our
Ravelry Group so keep an eye out if you are in need of more knitting time. Our Summer Sweater Knit Along will soon be coming to a close.......but it doesn't have to :) It's time for our Extension Poll!! Choose below if you're ready to show off your handmades, extend by a week, or go for another 2 weeks! It's up to you! I'll announce the results tomorrow in our Ravelry Group so keep an eye out if you are in need of more knitting time.

In the meantime....seriously....I'm so in awe of all your talent! There are some seriously stunning pieces that are being made this summer and I can't wait to see them all down and show them off on the blog! Keep up the good work! Here's a peek at some of the pics from our hashtag #SSKAL16on Instagram! Don't forget to tag your pics on social media so we can see your photos!

]]>KNIT ALONG || SSKAL16 EXTENSION POLLhttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/9/knit-along-vote-for-extensionFREE PATTERNS || POCKET POTHOLDERS FREE SEWING PATTERN!PatternSewingShannon CookThu, 25 Aug 2016 16:54:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/A6W5G8-XAyo/free-pocket-potholders-pattern511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57ae0403e58c62414bd08863Over the last few months our first home underwent a kitchen reno. It's been
a fun, sometimes stressful and very educational experience...lol. If you've
ever renovated I'm sure you know what I mean. While l I haven't yet shared
the finished renovation on the blog yet (I plan to in Sept) I have been
having a wonderful time sourcing lovely accessories & decor items for our
main floor. So when I got an email from my awesomely talented and sweet
friend Dana of MADE EVERYDAY to join in on her Boardwalk Delight fabric
blog party I just knew I HAD to have the Eat It All print all over! I mean
c'mon people! Kitchen + black/white + eat it all = shannon needs! Lol! So
instead of going out and buying some of my fave style of potholders I
decided to sew some up and share the FREE PATTERN for my POCKET POTHOLDERS
with you too! Over the last few months our first home underwent a kitchen reno. It's been a fun, sometimes stressful and very educational experience...lol. If you've ever renovated I'm sure you know what I mean. While l I haven't yet shared the finished renovation on the blog yet (I plan to in Sept) I have been having a wonderful time sourcing accessories & decor items for our main floor. So when I got an email from my awesomely talented and sweet friend Dana of MADE EVERYDAY to join in on her Boardwalk Delight fabric blog party I just knew I HAD to have the Eat It All print all over! I mean c'mon people - kitchen + black/white + eat it all = Shannon needs! Lol! So instead of going out and buying some of my fave style of potholders I decided to sew some up and share the FREE PATTERN for my POCKET POTHOLDERS with you too!

Now we can all have adorable pocket potholders (my fave kind) and sew them up in all sorts of fun fabric combos! The options to style and customize these bad boys is endless! While I kept my print the same on both sides you could totally do the pockets one print and the main potholder in two other prints or solids or linen etc....and the binding...well you get to make that too! So add in some more fun! I get super excited just thinking about the next 5 sets I just must have! I hope you will have fun with them too!

The fun thing about making items like these is they are fast to make, are great stash busters, make awesome gifts (for others or yourself), and are wonderful for practicing upping your sewing skill set with techniques like quilting and making bias binding (and sewing it on). I love gifting items like these or just freshening up a space with some custom made accessories. So don't be scared - they aren't hard and I promise you can totally rock out in your kitchen with these! My hubby loves them too! So don't think you have to go girly - you can totally do gender neutral like I did or go with more organic/nautural tones/fibers as well!

POCKET POTHOLDERS - FREE PATTERN

You can get the FREE pattern for my POCKET POTHOLDERS below. It's a PDF so you can just download, print and go! Boom! Potholders in your kitchen! Yep - it's that easy! Woot woot!

You can also find our POCKET POTHOLDERS PATTERN in our shop HERE. You can find all the info in regards to fabric requirements etc on that page as well. Feel free to download it there or above in this post. Totally up to you :)

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Here's important safety info about what you'll need to make the Pocket Potholders safely:

FABRIC. Please use only cotton, quilting cotton, linen or lightweight canvas. Do NOT use any synthetic fabrics like polyester etc as they can't be near the heat - they will melt.

THERMAL BATTING. Please use at least one layer of thermal batting. This is super important! I don't want any of you burning yourselves! Regular batting is not the same as thermal batting like Insul-Bright. Thermal batting is heat resistant.

COTTON BATTING. Make sure you use only 100% cotton batting and not poly blend batting. Same thing as above - it will melt. And this layer of batting is to go along with the thermal batting. Do NOT use just cotton batting without the thermal batting.

BIAS BINDING. Make sure to use only 100% cotton bias binding. This usually means making your binding yourself. Most pre-made packs of binding are made with polyester and poly blends and they will melt. Dana has a great tutorial here all about making your bias binding and I highly recommend it.

These are all very important things to follow if you are going to sew up potholders or any other kitchen accessory that will be used to touch hot items.

FABRIC & MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

You can make one Pocket Potholder from a fat quarter.Two Pocket Potholders can be made from 1/2 yard of fabric.

You will also need 1 piece of thermal batting and 1 piece of cotton batting measuring 6.5" wide x 10" high to make ONE pocket potholder.

To make ONE Pocket Potholder you will also need to make your own bias binding. One potholder requires 2 1/2" x 44" long strip of cotton bias binding. Do not use synthetic fiber for your bias binding or it will melt.

ABOUT BOARDWALK DELIGHT

I have to share a special congrats to Dana and tell you a wee story. So Dana, of Made Everyday, is one of my longest blogging pals. She is one of the first bloggers I ever became friends with when I started blogging almost 9 years ago (I cannot believe it's been that long - where has time gone??!). She's been a HUGE source of inspiration to me, she always makes me laugh and she is beyond talented!

So when I finally got to meet Dana in person last summer can I just say I just about passed out from excitement. I mean she's DANA! She's got her own youtube channel for gosh sake! She's uber talented, gorgeous, a great momma/wife and is beyond hilarious. So just getting to hang with her over lunch was a definite "pinch me now" moment for me. It felt surreal. One of the most fun parts of our lunch was getting to hear Dana talk about how she'd LOVE to have a fabric line! So it's been especially fabulous to see my every deserving friend do jus that! I love seeing people go after their dreams/goals and make them a reality! I'm so proud of you sweetie and you did AMAZING!

Her new line - Boardwalk Delight - is out now from one of my fave companies - Art Gallery Fabrics! And you guys know how much I love AGF! Such a great place for Dana! Her fun, bold and bright prints will be so at home with AGF!

Thank you so much for having me be a part of the Boardwalk Delight Blog Party Dana!!! I love the fabrics and my new potholders :)

These prints are all so fun and I've got more kitchen goodies planned so stay tuned! Oven mitts may be in the near future!

What have you been sewing lately? Do you love potholders as much as I do? Isn't adding new custom accessories to your space so fun!!! I hope you enjoy the Pocket Potholders Pattern!

]]>FREE PATTERNS || POCKET POTHOLDERS FREE SEWING PATTERN!http://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/8/free-pocket-potholders-patternGIVEAWAY & BOOK REVIEW || RUGGED KNITS BY ANDREA RANGELReadingKnittingGiveawayKnit AlongShannon CookWed, 24 Aug 2016 15:11:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/Cdg1mSBS6FU/book-review-giveaway-rugged-knits-by-andrea-rangel511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57afef8bc534a5bee9bd64acLast week I had my friend and talented designer - Andrea Rangel on the blog
with her great guest post on colorwork (see it here) and today I'm super
thrilled to review & giveaway her brand new book "Rugged Knits: 24
Practical Projects for Everyday Living"! I'm so beyond proud and thrilled
for her (both as a friend and a colleague)! This book speaks so true to
Andrea's personal sense of style - the knits are functional, yet they are
beautiful with thoughtful details. If you know Andrea, you know that what
she designs she lives in. She bikes, camps, hikes and more - and all while
doing these activities she's adorned in her knits! I'm so happy to call her
a friend and I'm even happier to share her lovely book with all of you
during our Summer Sweater Knit Along! Last week I had my friend and talented designer - Andrea Rangel on the blog with her great guest post on colorwork (see it here) and today I'm super thrilled to review & giveaway her brand new book "Rugged Knits: 24 Practical Projects for Everyday Living"! I'm so beyond proud and thrilled for her (both as a friend and a colleague)! This book speaks so true to Andrea's personal sense of style - the knits are functional, yet they are beautiful with thoughtful details. If you know Andrea, you know that she designs what she lives in. She bikes, camps, hikes and more - and all while doing these activities she's adorned in her knits! I'm so happy to call her a friend and I'm even happier to share her lovely book with all of you during our Summer Sweater Knit Along!

"Knitters love stitching pieces that become mainstays: garments and accessories to wear year after year. They are steadfast companions in your daily adventures: walking the dog, working outdoors, or simply tucking in for a cozy night at home."

"Rugged Knits is a collection of 24 functional, lovely, and interesting knitting patterns for men and women." With patterns that range from socks and shawls, to unisex sweaters and cardigans, Andrea has paired hearty wool sweaters with more unexpectedly delicate-looking pieces and side-by-side they create a book filled with a great range of projects. There are patterns for those who love cables, those who adore colorwork and those who "delight in textured, knit-and-purl designs."

Rugged Knits is filled with full color photography and also has techniques, abbreviations, a glossary, an index and more to help with making the patterns in the book. The patterns are well written, clear and feature both charts and written instructions.

There is also a great variety in different styles of garments and accessories! Go bright and get noticed in yellow hand knit socks, red shawl or a bright green pullover - or keep it more subtle and stand out with a gorgeous colorwork cardigan with a eye catching yoke or all over stitch pattern in a soft neutral! I keep thinking I've chosen a fave pattern from Rugged Knits but I honestly can't decide. I bounce back and forth between Hazy Cloud Pullover, Woolen Explorer Cardigan and lately the Elderberry Road Cardigan.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR:

Any knitter looking for a book with a wide range of patterns, lots of interest, color and techniques.

YOU'LL LOVE THIS BOOK IF:

You enjoy variety and are looking for patterns for garments and accessories, for both men and women in different weights of yarn.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT THE BOOK ARE:

I really enjoy that this book is true to Andrea's true personality. I like that there is a lot of variety and different styles to choose from as well as a lot of different techniques and interesting construction.

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF RUGGED KNITS!

Simply enter using the Rafflecopter Widget to enter to win your own copy of Andrea's book - Rugged Knits!

Thank you so much for the giveaway Andrea and congratulations again on a fabulous book! It's been so fun being along for the ride and I'm so excited for you! I'm cheering you on and I can't wait for the next one ;) xoxoxo

You can find more about Andrea and her designs on her website Andrea Knits HERE.

Which pattern from Rugged Knits is your fave? Have you gotten a copy yet?

This post is proudly sponsored by Brooklyn Tweed.

]]>GIVEAWAY & BOOK REVIEW || RUGGED KNITS BY ANDREA RANGELhttp://veryshannon.com/blog/2016/8/book-review-giveaway-rugged-knits-by-andrea-rangelKNIT ALONG || 7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR COLORWORK WITH GUEST ANDREA RANGELKnittingKnit AlongShannon CookWed, 17 Aug 2016 14:30:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/luvinthemommyhood/~3/4tj29uiaYaM/knit-along-7-tips-to-improve-your-colorwork-with-guest-andrea-rangel511a9ec6e4b0dcc6d89a61d0:5505e133e4b0a28bc1fe95ae:57b362eebe659468fb704736A lot of the most common questions we hear asked in our Summer Sweater Knit
Along Ravelry Group are in regards to colorwork. Let's face it - to new and
experienced knitters alike, colorwork can be intimidating. The finished
effects are stunning but where to start and once you do, how can you
perfect your methods? Well, the lovely and oh so talented Andrea Rangel is
here to share her 7 tips to help improve your colorwork! A lot of the most common questions we hear asked in our Summer Sweater Knit Along Ravelry Group are in regards to colorwork. Let's face it - to new and experienced knitters alike, colorwork can be intimidating. The finished effects are stunning but where to start and once you do, how can you perfect your methods? Well, the lovely and oh so talented Andrea Rangel is here to share her 7 tips to help improve your colorwork!

Andrea is a dear friend of mine, the recent author of the fabulous new book "Rugged Knits: 24 Practical Projects for Everyday Living", a talented knitwear designer, and a wonderful teacher! So when it came time to organize this year's #sskal16 I knew that she would be the perfect person to have on the blog to share her wisdom with us all - and she didn't disappoint! I love that I now have one concise place to find all these handy tips that are things I honestly can say that I've looked up myself many times to find the answers to.

You ready to take your colorwork knitting to the next level? Yay! Let's hear from Andrea!

7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR COLORWORK WITH GUEST ANDREA RANGEL

I’ve been designing knitting patterns for about seven years and I’ve found that I can’t be tied down to one technique or project type in my design life. But I’ll admit that I really love working with stranded colorwork. My new book Rugged Knits includes a bunch of patterns with colorwork Gleaming Horizon, Boreal Toque, Woolen Explorer, Passing Glacier, and Hazy Cloud, and I’ve got a big upcoming project that’s all about colorwork.

I know some knitters find it intimidating to work with two colors. Maybe you’ve tried it and it didn’t turn out, or it just seems like too much to take on. But I encourage you to embrace the challenge and give it a try! Here are seven quick tips that will immediately improve the look of your color work.

1. Choose colors with high contrast. Make sure one of your colors is relatively light/bright and one is relatively dark so that the pattern will show up. Quick trick: take a black and white snapshot of your yarns together to see how well they contrast. (Your phone camera probably has a black and white filter option.)

2. Use a needle 1-2 sizes bigger for colorwork than you use for Stockinette stitch. A lot of knitters work more tightly in stranded colorwork than in Stockinette. I have to go up at least two needle sizes in order to maintain my gauge when switching from Stockinette to colorwork.

3. Spread out your stitches. Regularly pause to spread out the stitches on your right needle as you work (the ones you just finished knitting). This can help keep your strands the right length to smoothly fall on the wrong side of the work so that the right side of the fabric doesn’t look bunchy.

4. Hold the pattern color in your left hand and the background color in your right. Figure out which color is your background color and which one makes the pattern. Sometimes it’s obvious like in the Boreal Toque shown below (the gray is the background and the blue creates the pattern in the hat on the left, and the gold creates the pattern and the brown the background color in the hat on the right), but sometimes it’s arbitrary. Think about which one you want to pop more and call that one the pattern color. Then consistently hold the pattern color in your left hand (and use the picking/European method to work stitches in the pattern color) and hold the background color in your right hand (and use the throwing/British method to work stitches in the background color). If you prefer to hold both strands in the same hand, just be sure the pattern color is consistently held below the background color. Doing this will make your pattern pop out from the background and make your colorwork look more crisp and clear. This is referred to as color dominance and a quick explanation is that when stranding 2 colors, one of them will physically fall below the other one as you work. The color below ends up with more yarn than the one that’s stranded above, making the stitches in that color larger and causing them to visually pop more than the stitches made with the color that’s stranded above. You always want your pattern color to be held dominant so that the pattern stands out from the background.

5. Keep each ball of yarn on its own side. I always set my dominant/pattern color yarn down on my left side and the non-dominant/background color one on my right. Yarn bowls and project bags can be handy for this - just use two instead of one! (I love wearing frocks with giant pockets and keeping one color in each pocket.) And don’t let yarns get tangled at all. If they get wrapped around each other, pause to unwrap them immediately to avoid frustration later.

6. Manually manipulate unruly stitches! Inspect your fabric for particularly loose or tight stitches. Sometimes the first stitch after a color change will be a little funky, but you can use a pointy knitting needle to tug on the legs of those funky stitches, drawing more yarn from neighboring stitches into tight stitches and giving some slack from loose stitches to the stitches nearby. Because knitted stitches are just one continuous strand of yarn, you can redistribute that yarn from stiches that are too loose into stitches that are too tight. You can also tug on both legs of a tight stitch to get it to show better. This isn’t cheating!

7. Block your work before you judge it. Wet blocking makes a huge difference in the evenness of color work fabric.

I hope you take the plunge and give stranded colorwork a try. If you still need convincing or a little more help, here are a couple videos showing how I catch floats. You can do this every 3-5 stitches or, if you have a whole lot of really long floats between color changes, you can catch the floats every other stitch to create a consistent fabric as is shown in the videos (I did this for my Knitter’s Dude sweater shown above.)

Thank you so much Andrea!!!!!

What a helpful post! I know I'm always looking to learn more about colorwork and these are all such great tips! I hope you guys all found some of your common colorwork questions that we hear in our Ravelry Group answered in today's guest post!